ATHLETIC SPORT GAME, EQUIPMENT, and METHOD

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a device and a method associated with the device. With respect to the device, it is a set of game equipment, which is used to play an interactive athletic game. This device can be used to allow two teams of players to compete with the intent to score more points than the opposing team.The core components of the invention are a ball and blocks, which, generally speaking, are configured as follows: cone-like blocks that can be assembled at the narrow ends and stacked into one column and a cushioned ball for throwing and striking.With respect to the associated method, in order to carry out the method the following core steps are followed: begin the game by stacking all the blocks, then the offensive team will attempt to knock down the blocks and reassemble them.Meanwhile, the opposing team attempts to eliminate the opposing team players by striking them with the ball. Ultimately, at the conclusion of these steps, if the offensive team is successful in stacking the blocks before the opposing team eliminates the members, they have scored a point.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The nonprovisional application claims the filing date benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/160,929 filed 14 Mar. 2021.

BACKGROUND Field of the Invention

The invention relates generally to athletic sport game and equipment game equipment

Currently, there are a number of solutions for group exercise and sports and entertainment. Some of these solutions attempt to incorporate contact which result in injuries, but these solutions fail to meet the needs of the industry because of how severe and dangerous the sports may become. Other solutions reduce the number of participants, but these solutions are similarly unable to meet the needs of the industry because they are not inclusive. Still, other solutions seek to engage a large number of individuals, but these solutions also fail to meet the industry needs because of the technicality and the requirement for specialized skill to play the game.

DRAWINGS-FIGURES

FIG. 1 .—is an illustration of the ball which is composed of an outer cushion and a rigid inner core.

FIG. 2 .—represents the male part of the pin before assembling.

FIG. 3 .—represents the female part of the pin before assembling it.

FIG. 4 .—presents a side view of the caved-in aerodynamic block and how the pins are stacked.

FIG. 5 .—expresses the list of rules that govern the game.

FIG. 6 .—shows the shaded “Pitch Square” area

FIG. 7 .—an illustration of the field outlining by the different zones on the field of play.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It would be desirable to have a new athletic game equipment that is small, lightweight, durable and portable. Furthermore, it would also be desirable to have an equipment that can provide a new way for exercise and entertainment. Therefore, there currently exists a need in the industry for a new athletic game equipment that is lightweight and portable which can be used to play at any place for exercise and entertainment.

Compared to the prior art, the invention uses cone-like cups with characteristics making the figures differ in their unique design which allows them to be more aerodynamic and more difficult to stack. The projectile used in the invention also has a unique feature that supports a faster, more accurate and easier throwing/passing of the ball. With further technological development the ball will have the capability of contact detection which will help the umpire identify whether a play is eliminated when in doubt. Additionally, the development of an app will be used to help gover and expand on the advancement of this game.

The invention is intended not only as a game for fun but also as a method of exercise and competitiveness. To play an official jigball game, at least one team should have 6 players on the field and the game is initiated with rolling the ball on the ground to bring down the stack. There must be two periods of 25 minutes of playing time and a 10-minute break in between. Players must follow all rules to avoid elimination for reasons other than being tagged. To increase competitiveness, offensive players may only catch the ball to bring players back in the game after being eliminated when there are less than three players on their team. The defending team is restricted to no more than 2 steps when holding the ball and are not allowed to enter the pitch zone when the ball is in play unless a player from the offensive team enters that area.

to regulate the players during play, committing 3 consecutive fouls may result in a player missing part of the game however committing 6 fouls may result in a player being dismissed from the match. Additionally, committing any fouls with the intent to injure an opponent will result in immediate elimination from the game. To determine the winner, one team must score more points. A team may earn 3 points for successfully building the stack and 1 point for eliminating all opposing players during a round of play.

Similarly, it would be desirable to have an associated method that is new, fun, interactive, easy to play, and that can reduce the physical contact between players. Therefore, there currently exists a need in the industry for an athletic game that is fun and that reduces contact between players.

Disclosed is a set of athletic game equipment, which is composed of the following materials: cone-like blocks and a cushioned ball.

These components are connected as follows: the cone-like half blocks are assembled at the narrow ends and a weighted cushioned ball. The disclosed method of playing the game comprises of stacking the blocks and throwing the ball to knock them down. The game requires two teams of 5 players on each team to be on the field for optimal efficiency; however, the game can also be played with more or less players; one team will be on defense while the other team is on offense. The game shall kickoff by determining which team is on offense by flipping a coin then the offensive players will take turns throwing the ball at the blocks to knock them down. Once the blocks are down, the offensive team shall collaborate to make runs and avoid being eliminated through contact with the ball to restack the blocks. Meanwhile, the defending team shall also collaborate to eliminate the opposing team by striking or patting those players with the ball.

The device may also have one or more of the following: the cone-like blocks are structured in an aerodynamic fashion that helps with wind resistance and a base for the blocks to rest on. Similarly, the associated method will also include the following steps: if the offensive players are unable to bring down the blocks after taking two turns each, the offensive team will switch to defense and this step will repeat until one team knocks the blocks down; the defensive players shall pass the ball but may not take more than three steps while holding the ball; each team is allowed to perform tricks that are suitable to their objective; and the ball must be visible at all times.

The disclosed equipment is unique when compared with other known game equipment and solutions because the blocks are engineered in a manner that simplifies the stacking process when playing the game; designed in a fashion that decreases the impact of wind on the stacked blocks; are easily placed on any solid surface to play the game; and the ball is weighted which allows the players to pass the ball from distance yet cushioned thus producing a painless impact during contact.

Similarly, the associated method is unique in that: reduces the level of contact between players which allows for reduced contact injuries; requires less specialized skill to play the game; and allows the game to be played on different surfaces such as grass, cement, dirt, sand, etc.

The disclosed device is unique in that it is structurally different from other known devices or solutions. More specifically, the device is unique due to the presence of stackable blocks with caved-in structure that is challenging to knock down/stack and a ball intended for painless impact yet weighted for throwing with speed and momentum.

Furthermore, the process associated with the aforementioned device is likewise unique. More specifically, the disclosed process owes its uniqueness to the fact the offensive players are required to bring down the blocks and restack them within a specified time frame in order to score a point.

Meanwhile, the defensive players are not allowed to come in contact with the blocks to allow the offensive players the ability to stack them. However, during the game the defensive players may strike the blocks with the ball from a distance outside of the pitch square to bring down an incomplete stack to stop the other team from scoring a point in the allotted time.

This disclosure will now provide a more detailed and specific description that will refer to the accompanying drawings. The drawings and specific descriptions of the drawings, as well as any specific or alternative embodiments discussed, are intended to be read in conjunction with the entirety of this disclosure.

The athletic sport game and equipment may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided by way of illustration only and so that the disclosure will be thorough, complete, and fully convey understanding to those skilled in the art.

The invention has the potential to develop into a league allowing participants from all ages to participate and compete in various categories such as age or gender. The game can also be integrated in video games and played on different gaming consoles or in the metaverse. Future projects would also involve NFT projects and creating a discord group in which participants can enjoy that community and its exclusivity.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to an athletic sport game and equipment. In its most complete form, the game equipment is made up of the following components: cone-like blocks, circular base, and a cushioned ball. These components are connected as follows: two cone-like blocks are assembled at the narrow ends; and a circular base which is placed on the ground to support the stack. This structure creates a column when the blocks are stacked.

It should be further noted that the blocks are aerodynamic and are designed in a shape that increases the difficulty of knocking them down and stacking them up. The cushioned ball is weighted at the core when layered with foam that will absorb the impact which is then covered by additional material to allow for easier grip. To play the game, a group must have a kit which includes cone-like blocks (8 cones), a circular base, a weighted cushioned ball and a list of the rules specified in FIG. 3 .

The most complete form of performing the method associated with the disclosed device consists of the following steps: stacking the blocks before starting the game; the team offense must knock down the blocks then restack them; if all players fail to knock down the stack, the opposing team switches to offense; the defensive team must prevent the offensive team from restacking the blocks and scoring a point; the offensive players are eliminated through contact with the ball; the defensive team may pass the ball between its players to eliminate the offensive players; and the defensive players cannot take more than three steps while holding the ball.

It should further be noted that failing to abide by some of the rules will result in a violation or a disqualification. Such violations include defensive players knocking down the stacked blocks without following the rules; players being violent with malicious intent towards the opposing team; concealing the ball from offensive players; and obstructing offensive players from restacking the blocks. Committing a total of three consecutive violations (fouls) will cause a player to miss two runs. Moreover, committing six violations or any misconduct will result in disqualification of the player(s). The game will run for a total of two halves for 25 minutes with an intermission of 10 minutes.

Out of bounds, encompasses the different areas which the players will occupy but may not exceed to avoid elimination. The inner square is the area where the blocks are stacked in a column to start the game at the beginning, during the game and after each run. The middle square is where the offensive player must throw the ball from to strike the stack to initiate the game or the run. During the play, the defensive players may also strike the stack from outside the pitch square to stop the offensive team from scoring a point within the allotted time when the stack is incomplete.

Different features, variations and multiple different embodiments have been shown and described with various details. What has been described in this application at times in terms of specific embodiments is done for illustrative purposes only and without the intent to limit or suggest that what has been conceived is only one particular embodiment or specific embodiments. It is to be understood that this disclosure is not limited to any single specific embodiments or enumerated variations.

Many modifications, variations and other embodiments will come to mind of those skilled in the art, and which are intended to be and are in fact covered by this disclosure. It is indeed intended that the scope of this disclosure should be determined by a proper legal interpretation and construction of the disclosure, including equivalents, as understood by those of skill in the art relying upon the complete disclosure present at the time of filing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DIAGRAMS

FIG. 1 , an image that shows the weighted core which is intended to make throwing the ball easier and to assist in gaining momentum. It also shows the cushioned soft outer layer which will result in painless impact to payers.

FIG. 2 .—represents the male part of the pin before assembling.

FIG. 3 .—represents the female part of the pin before assembling it.

FIG. 4 .—an image that shows a complete block connected at the narrow end with caved-in in structure to allow for an aerodynamic capability.

FIG. 5 .—expresses the list of rules that govern the game.

FIG. 6 .—shows the shaded “Pitch Square” area which the defensive team cannot enter unless one or more of the offensive players enters that area first.

FIG. 7 .—an illustration of the field outlining by the different zones on the field of play out of bounds square, pitch square (area which the defensive team cannot enter unless one or more of the offensive players enters that area first), and the area of location for the stacked pins.

FIG. 5 , a list of the rules that will incorporate a game that is interactive, pleasurable and entertaining to watch. These rules are designed to deliver a contact injury free game and an easy method to implement without the requirement for specialized skill.

FIG. 7 , an illustration of the field in which the game will take place. The outer square, out of bounds, encompasses the different areas which the players will occupy but may not exceed to avoid elimination. The inner square is the area where the blocks are stacked in a column to start the game at the beginning, during the game and after each run. The middle square is where the offensive player must throw the ball from to strike the stack to initiate the game or the run. During the play, the defensive players may also strike the stack from outside the pitch square to stop the offensive team from scoring a point within the allotted time when the stack is incomplete.

PRIOR ART

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Priority And Related Applications

Parent Applications (1)

Application Priority date Filing date Relation Title

U.S. Ser. No. 14/332,100 2014 Apr. 11 2014 Jul. 2 Division Catching game

Priority Applications (3)

Application Priority date Filing date Title

US201461978702P 2014 Apr. 11 2014 Apr. 11 US Provisional Application

U.S. Ser. No. 14/322,100 2014 Apr. 11 2014 Jul. 2 Catching game

U.S. Ser. No. 14/811,515 2014 Apr. 11 2015 Jul 28 Catching game

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Filing date Title

U.S. Ser. No. 14/,811,515 2015 Jul. 28 Catching Game

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Data provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services 

I claim:
 1. A method comprising (FIG. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 ): a game having two teams of players; a ball; cone-like cups; a playing field; and a set of rules governing the playing of the game 1the game, of claim 1, comprised of one team of players (stacking team) acting to create a vertical structure of the stackable object in the stack, before players of the second team (non-stacking team) may throw the ball and contact the players of the first (stacking) team, resulting in benefits and penalties for the team(s) under the rules of the game 2) a method, of claim 1, comprising; a sensor that is worn by the player which can be used on the field of play to determine when the player has exited the field of play, affecting the player ability for continued play in the game at that time. 3) the ball, of claim 1, wherein the structure is round and circular with symmetrical dimensions to allow gripping and throwing by a player 4) the cone-like cups, of claim 1, comprising a vertically stacked system which allows them to be more aerodynamic and more difficult to stack 5) the playing field, of claim 1, wherein the field of play is marked to create the boundaries of the game, demarcate areas for enforcing the rules of the game, and designate the placement of the cone-like cups deployed for the game 6) a set of rules, of claim 1, instructing the means, method, penalties, scoring, and behavior of the individual(s) and such other requirements of the team(s) engaged in the game.
 2. A ball (FIG. 1 ), spherical in shape, and comprised of material such that it may be projected to strike elements of the game 1) an outer layer, of claim 2, designed to strike certain elements of the game, in a manner that is safe 2) an inner core, of claim 2, designed to provide sufficient weight and aerodynamic characteristics for projection by the players 3) a process, of claim 2, for counting each time a player is touched by the ball after it is thrown, by a player throwing the ball, within a certain playing field, in which the ball strikes a player on an opposing team, resulting in rewards and penalties under the scoring of the game 4) a method, of claim 2, comprising; a sensor worn by the player that detects when a player is hit by the ball or when the ball has exited the field of play.
 3. A system of cone-like cups (FIG. 2, 3, 4 .), comprised of interlocking male and female ends and symmetrical surfaces, such that they may be stacked into a vertical structure and struck by a ball, according to the rules of the game 1) a method, of claim 3, comprising; a sensor that is activated based on impact with the vertical structure 2) a method, of claim 3, the pins comprising; male and female parts that are assembled through a thread like feature. 3) a method, of claim 3, comprising; sensor(s) positioned on the vertical structure, which measures time and other elements for scoring within the rules of the game 